Caucus group to study site’s use

Press, 14 November 1984, Page 9

Caucus group to study site’s use

PA Wellington The Government has set up a special caucus committee to consider whether a site next to the Court of Appeal should be used for a new High Court or the National Art Gallery.

The Prime Minister, Mr Lange, said yesterday that for 15 years the site was designated for completion of a court complex. Last September, the then Government authorised construction of a National Art Gallery on the site.

“Because there was a Ministerial assurance given in Parliament that the building of a High Court would not be compromised by this project, no objection

was made by the then Opposition,” Mr Lange said.

“However, on assumption of office the Labour Government discovered that, in fact, plans had been in place since February to move the High Court off the site, although no public notice was given by the former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr Jim McLay, of this intention.” Mr Lange said the caucus committee would investigate whether it was appro-' priate to construct an art gallery, to celebrate 150 years since the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, and whether it was appropriate to separate the present art gallery from the National Museum.”